Denver dining attire is casual; jeans are acceptable at all but the finest spots. Thin air in the Mile-High City–at 5,280 feet above sea level–can make visitors feel light-headed, and the altitude can also increase the effects of alcohol consumption. One Molly’s Titanic Brown Ale here might equal two at sea level.

Denver dining attire is casual; jeans are acceptable at all but the finest spots. Thin air in the Mile-High City–at 5,280 feet above sea level–can make visitors feel light-headed, and the altitude can also increase the effects of alcohol consumption. One Molly’s Titanic Brown Ale here might equal two at sea level.

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For more information, visit the [http://www.denver.org]Denver Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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For more information, visit the Denver Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau at http://www.denver.org.

Revision as of 10:58, 8 January 2009

Contents

Denver Dishes

A dining guide to the Mile High City
by Sherry Spitsnaugle, writer/editor for Denver Public Library
From American Libraries, January/February 2009, p. 66-70.

Denver’s restaurant scene is much like the city itself—friendly, forward-thinking, and fun-loving. And, in a city where the likable two-term mayor founded downtown’s first brewpub, eating and drinking well rank up there with spending time outdoors.

With a backdrop of snow-capped Rocky Mountains, the Mile High City worked its magic on me more than 20 years ago. I’ve been sampling cuisine here ever since. Choices abound, from the über-hip, martini-mixing Corner Office (where clocks are always set at 5 p.m.) to the tried-and-true Dozens Café (if you can find a better BLT in town, I’d like to know about it).

Beer connoisseurs will have a field day. With more than 80 fine ales, bitters, stouts, and lagers brewed in the city, Denver has been called the Napa Valley of beer. Swirl some RailYard Ale and get ready to grin.

Nuts and bolts

The majority of the restaurants mentioned are within walking distance of the Colorado Convention Center. The neighborhoods of Cherry Creek and Highlands, each a 10-minute drive from downtown, also offer exceptional restaurants, galleries, and boutiques.

Denver dining attire is casual; jeans are acceptable at all but the finest spots. Thin air in the Mile-High City–at 5,280 feet above sea level–can make visitors feel light-headed, and the altitude can also increase the effects of alcohol consumption. One Molly’s Titanic Brown Ale here might equal two at sea level.
For more information, visit the Denver Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau at http://www.denver.org.

Downtown

Downtown Denver boasts some 300 restaurants, 8,000 hotel rooms, the nation’s second-largest performing arts center, businesses, shops, and a vibrant atmosphere. Areas are walkable and connect seamlessly. The 16th Street Mall shuttle maneuvers visitors to and from some of Denver’s finest restaurants. You’ll also find ma-and-pa sandwich shops and chains such as ESPN Zone and the Cheesecake Factory.

Baur’s Ristorante
Sophisticated casual. As if the Colorado rack of lamb, scallop and shrimp linguini, and lemon pudding aren’t enough, you’ll dine in the warm glow of candlelight with white linens and stellar service. Ask for a booth near the window. $$$. L, D Mon.–Sun. 1512 Curtis St.; 303-534-4842. www.baursdenver.com.

Sam’s No 3
Feels like a truck stop diner in the middle of downtown. With plates clanking and servers zipping around, don’t count on having an intimate conversation. But if you’re hungry for grits, corned beef hash, and eggs—served with just the right amount of grease—you’ll be content. $. B, L, D Mon.–Sun. 1500 Curtis St.; 303-534-1927. www.samsno3.com.

The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Seafood might not be the first option that comes to mind in this landlocked city, but The Oceanaire will change your mind. Alaskan halibut, Hawaiian big-eye tuna, crab cakes, and an oyster bar. Leather-upholstered booths and a vintage ocean liner ambiance. $$$$. D Mon.–Sun. 1400 Arapahoe St.; 303-991-2277. www.theoceanaire.com.

Larimer Square
With twinkling lights and piped-in music, Larimer Square feels cozy even in the dead of winter. As one of the most historic blocks in Denver, Larimer Street, between 14th and 15th Streets, charms.

Bistro Vendôme
Your own little corner of Paris. Tucked in an inviting nook off Larimer Street, this bistro serves items such as quiche with black truffles for brunch, and salmon grill with artichokes, capers, and sun-dried tomatoes for dinner. Out-of-this-world frites. Best of all, they serve French press coffee. $$$. D Mon.–Sun., Brunch Sat.–Sun. 1420 Larimer St.; 303-825-3232. www.bistrovendome.com.

Crêpes ‘n Crêpes
An authentic crêperie and bar so petite you could easily miss it. That would be a shame. The cook prepares delicate wafer-thin crêpes in an open kitchen. Fillings range from spinach and feta cheese to white breast of chicken with wild mushrooms. Tucked between Larimer Square and 16th St. Mall. $. B, L Mon.–Sun., D Wed.–Sat. 1512 Larimer St.; 303-534-1620.

Lower Downtown

The 20-square-block area known as LoDo brims with historic buildings that have evolved into microbreweries, lofts, businesses, galleries, and restaurants.

McCormick’s Fish House & Bar
Order oysters on the half shell or a blue-plate special such as Wazee Street meatloaf with mushroom gravy. Step into the Cruise Room (across from the main dining room) to find Denver’s art deco at its finest. If you love a good martini, imbibe here. $$. L Mon.–Fri., D Mon.–Sun. 1659 Wazee St.; 303-825-1107. www.mccormicksfishhouse.com.

Wynkoop Brewing Company
This place hops. Classic pub grub, including burgers, fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie. Hot artichoke and Parmesan cheese dip with toasted garlic beer bread is listed as an appetizer, but you can make a meal out of it. Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper founded this brewpub in 1988. $$. L, D Mon.–Sun. 1684 18th St.; 303-297-2700. www.wynkoop.com.

Golden Triangle
The neighborhood known as the Golden Triangle, south of downtown, is home to museums, fine-art studios, and DPL. Hop on the free 16th Street shuttle and take it to the end of the line at Civic Center Park. The Museum District begins on the opposite side of the park.

Dozens
Such a friendly, funky café you’ll want to eat here more than once. This neighborhood gem offers hearty breakfast and lunch at rock-bottom prices. What librarian doesn’t love the Literary Club—a triple-decker club sandwich with no late fees? I’ve eaten here 50-plus times and rarely deviated from the Brown Palace (the perfect BLT). Be sure to tell John I sent you. $. B, L Mon.–Sun. 236 W. 13th Ave.; 303-572-0066.

Highlands

This picturesque neighborhood filled with family-owned restaurants, boutiques, pubs, and galleries, northwest of downtown about three miles, has boomed the last several years. Cab fare from downtown runs about $12.

Sushi Den
Zagat rates Sushi Den as one of the most prestigious sushi restaurants in the country. You’ll have to decide for yourself, but the line out the door gives a clue. Sip some Sake and prepare to be dazzled. $$$. L Mon.–Fri., D Mon.–Sun. 1487 S. Pearl St.; 303-777-0826. www.sushiden.net.